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Demographic Analysis of Wehnwood: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wehnwood, a neighborhood in Altoona, Pennsylvania, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 952 and a median income of $54,614. Wehnwood is home to Penn State Altoona, a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University.
Over the past decade, Wehnwood has consistently maintained its Low Diversity status, with the White population remaining the dominant racial group. However, there have been subtle shifts towards increased diversity. The White population decreased from 94% in 2013 to 85% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, showing the most significant growth among minority groups. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3-4% throughout the decade. The category of Two or more races appeared in the data from 2021, reaching 4% by 2022.
The median income in Wehnwood has shown overall growth, albeit with some fluctuations. In 2013, it was $42,808. By 2017, it increased to $49,741, and in 2022, it reached $54,614. This represents a 27% increase from 2013 to 2022. Population figures show a decline from 1,021 in 2013 to 952 in 2022, a decrease of about 7%.
The demographic changes in Wehnwood align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and small-city neighborhoods. The growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations reflects similar patterns seen across many U.S. communities.
The economic growth in Wehnwood outpaces the national average. From 2013 to 2021, the U.S. median household income grew by about 11% (adjusted for inflation), while Wehnwood saw a 38% increase in the same period. This suggests that Wehnwood has experienced stronger economic growth than many other areas of the country.
The presence of Penn State Altoona likely contributes to the neighborhood's economic resilience and gradual diversification. University communities often attract a mix of students, faculty, and staff from various backgrounds, which can influence local demographics and economics.
While Wehnwood remains a Low Diversity, White Majority community, it shows signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This gradual shift, coupled with significant economic growth, suggests a neighborhood in the early stages of demographic and economic transformation, potentially influenced by its proximity to a university campus.
